New Kyd on the block: Jersey's next Lieutenant Governor announced

Tuesday 31 May 2022

A naval officer with an "impressive" career spanning 37 years, including serving as the first Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy’s largest ever warship, has been chosen as Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor.

Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE has held a number of senior appointments both in the Ministry of Defence and with industry, and has also enjoyed an operational career at sea, working with Allies and countries across all the world’s oceans.

Admiral Kyd will assume office in October 2022 and said he is “honoured” to have been chosen to be Her Majesty’s personal representation in Jersey. 

“I am looking forward to it all immensely, playing a full part in the life of the island, and in particular, meeting and supporting the people of Jersey into the future,” he said.

Pictured: Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE will assume office as Jersey's next Lieutenant Governor in October 2022. 

Admiral Kyd will take over from the current Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, who will retire in June 2022. There will be a three month interval before he takes office. 

The vacancy was advertised in the Sunday Times and through the Ministry of Defence and received 10 applications, from which four candidates were shortlisted for interview. 

Admiral Kyd has served as an Officer in the Royal Navy for 37 years, and most recently served as the Fleet Commander, the Royal Navy’s most senior Warfare Officer and second-in-command to the First Sea Lord. 

As Fleet Commander, he was responsible for commanding all operational elements of the Royal Navy – ships, submarines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Royal Marines and the Fleet Air Arm.

He was also accountable for the operational capability, training, safety and wellbeing of 25,000 people, many deployed around the world. 

Pictured: Admiral Kyd most recently served as the Fleet Commander, the Royal Navy's most senior Warfare Officer. 

The Bailiff, Mr Timothy Le Cocq, said he looks forward to welcoming Admiral Kyd and his wife Dr Karen Kyd, a GP.

“He has had an impressive career in the Royal Navy, and I am certain that Admiral and Mrs Kyd will be welcomed by our community, will embrace the island and will play a full role over Admiral Kyd’s time in office. 

Admiral Kyd’s previous appointments have included Commander of the UK Strike Force, the Amphibious Task Group, and the Carrier Strike Group. He has also been the Captain of various warships and was the first Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s largest ever warship. 

He was also Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth where all Officer cadets undergo leadership and maritime training. 

Pictured: Admiral Kyd has served as the Captain of various warships, and was the first Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth. 

Outside of his military service, Admiral Kyd has supported and held a number of voluntary roles with charitable organisations and is a passionate supporter of youth development, particularly through sports, including boxing, ice sports, and leadership mentoring. 

Admiral Jerry Kyd and Dr Karen Kyd have four sons. 

“My wife, Karen, is equally excited and we cannot wait to immerse ourselves in the unique history, character and natural beauty of this most loyal island in the autumn.”